west of the lake gardens - manitowoc, wi
The formal gardens of yesteryear are blooming brightly at West Of The Lake Gardens in Manitowoc. The stunning 6 acres of gardens found their roots in 1934, when local residents John and Ruth West purchased the property. They began building the house that same year, with additions occurring through 1950. It was the first modern-style house in the area and was dubbed by the locals as the "Shoebox Estate". Ruth West fondly name it West of the Lake.
Entering the grounds there is a distinct mid-century modern vibe to both the buildings and the gardens. To me it feels very 1950's Los Angeles. Very stylish, very clean, very modern. The story is Mrs. West began her gardening adventure at the estate by working with her gardener to hand spade all 6 acres, removing weeds and establishing the lawn.
Over the years her love of gardening blossomed, and the gardens did as well. In time there were ten gardens in all including: The Woods Gardens, The Japanese Garden, The Sunken Garden, The Rose Garden, and more. At one point , between 1937-1939, local artist, Lester Bentley, painted a mural on the garage walls. This was eventually restored in a three-year project that re-opened to viewing again in 2019.
The garden arrangements and plantings evolved over time. Early years featured thousands of tulips planted to bloom in spring, then replaced by geraniums and fibrous begonias. The 60s, 70s and 80s saw additions of perennials like roses and dahlias, offering spectacular color and interest from May to October. Eventually an eastern influence joined the aesthetic, and a Japanese garden was added. All plants are grown in the grounds greenhouses.
Scattered throughout the gardens are patio seating chairs and tables with a modern style. Some inset among the flowers, offering whispers of social gatherings past. If there's time, have a seat, linger a bit. Take in the beauty of the gardens around you, and the sounds of the waves crashing along the Lake Michigan shore.
The gardens are owned and operated by the Ruth St. John and John Dunham West Foundation, Inc., and are open to the public for viewing free of charge. Although John and Ruth West passed on in 1989 and 1990, respectively, the gardens live on as their legacy to the community and all who share their love of beauty.
They are open from the end of May through early October, Monday-Sunday, 10am - 5pm daily, weather permitting.
The Lester Bentley gallery is now open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, from 11am to 4pm Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Visit the website for further details regarding visiting rules and regulations.
Pets are Not allowed in the gardens.
No food or drink on the premises.
No weddings or professional photography are allowed.
Admission and parking are Free.
Location: 915 Memorial Drive, Manitowoc, WI (Manitowoc County)
Check out their website here for more information.
Entering the grounds there is a distinct mid-century modern vibe to both the buildings and the gardens. To me it feels very 1950's Los Angeles. Very stylish, very clean, very modern. The story is Mrs. West began her gardening adventure at the estate by working with her gardener to hand spade all 6 acres, removing weeds and establishing the lawn.
Over the years her love of gardening blossomed, and the gardens did as well. In time there were ten gardens in all including: The Woods Gardens, The Japanese Garden, The Sunken Garden, The Rose Garden, and more. At one point , between 1937-1939, local artist, Lester Bentley, painted a mural on the garage walls. This was eventually restored in a three-year project that re-opened to viewing again in 2019.
The garden arrangements and plantings evolved over time. Early years featured thousands of tulips planted to bloom in spring, then replaced by geraniums and fibrous begonias. The 60s, 70s and 80s saw additions of perennials like roses and dahlias, offering spectacular color and interest from May to October. Eventually an eastern influence joined the aesthetic, and a Japanese garden was added. All plants are grown in the grounds greenhouses.
Scattered throughout the gardens are patio seating chairs and tables with a modern style. Some inset among the flowers, offering whispers of social gatherings past. If there's time, have a seat, linger a bit. Take in the beauty of the gardens around you, and the sounds of the waves crashing along the Lake Michigan shore.
The gardens are owned and operated by the Ruth St. John and John Dunham West Foundation, Inc., and are open to the public for viewing free of charge. Although John and Ruth West passed on in 1989 and 1990, respectively, the gardens live on as their legacy to the community and all who share their love of beauty.
They are open from the end of May through early October, Monday-Sunday, 10am - 5pm daily, weather permitting.
The Lester Bentley gallery is now open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, from 11am to 4pm Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Visit the website for further details regarding visiting rules and regulations.
Pets are Not allowed in the gardens.
No food or drink on the premises.
No weddings or professional photography are allowed.
Admission and parking are Free.
Location: 915 Memorial Drive, Manitowoc, WI (Manitowoc County)
Check out their website here for more information.
All photos, blog posts, and content are copyright (c) 2014-2023 Kimberly Mackowski, unless otherwise noted. |
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